So how was your Halloween? Unfortunately, I didn’t dress up this week. I was a bit under the weather, but I did go out and have some fun though. I mean, it was Halloween, it’s Saturday and the clocks went back an hour. So I had to go, you know?
Anyway, this what’s new for November 3, 2009.
Weezer - Raditude [Geffen Records]
These guys have got to be the busiest band to date. It’s like they put out three albums a year and something and all of them don’t show any signs of fatigue or redundancy. With Raditude the band has done it again, giving you all the poppy hooks and guitars that your ears can stand. The single, “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You to”, is another pop gem that doesn’t get all mushy like those emo bands that’s clogging the airwaves these days. Weezer fans will not be disappointed with these latest release from the group.
Slayer - World Painted Blood [Sony]
Oh hell yes! Here comes Slayer with World Painted Blood, which is probably the tamest title ever in their career. The title track (which is also the first track) doesn’t bullshit you: it comes at you like the shotgun to the ribcage, full blast. The thrash-metal formula hasn’t change, and that’s a good thing with this band. If you want some unapologetic head banging, then here it is in all its glory. This will make you punch walls and lick your wounds with glee. The single “Snuff” is just as ferocious, if not more. If you call yourself a metal head, then you are most obligated to pick this up.
Halford III: Winter Songs [Metal God Entertainment]
That’s right. The former Judas Priest front man is covering Christmas songs, for a record that’s even stranger than Bob Dylan’s Christmas album. Now, before you scream, “Sell out” from the top of your lungs, let me say this: it’s really not that bad. In fact, it’s actually pretty good. Imagine if a Christmas choir, out of the blue, hired a metal band to back them up instead of the usual old lady with the harpsichord. Also, you going to hear some sonically booming vocals from this album. I mean, we are talking about Rob Halford. I mean, c’mon. Anyone with a hankering to put some metal in your Christmas may look no further than this album.
Melvins - Nude with Boots [Ipecac Recordings]
“Hey wait a minute, Fred” I can hear you guys saying, “This was out last year. Why are you previewing it now?” Because, this is the vinyl release of the album. So this preview is strictly for the vinyl cats out there. After releasing over twenty-five albums, these guys are going strong with not a single sign of slowing down. Good for them. And with the vinyl release, you can hear songs like “Suicide in Progress” in all its acetate glory. “Kicking Machine”, the first track, is just wicked cool with a cool riff and hollowing vocals that will make you jump up and down in excitement.
David Murray - The Devil Tried to Kill Me [Justin Time Records]
For those of you who prefer their music a bit more chilled, I offer you The Devil Tried to Kill Me by one David Murray. The album is a beautiful mixture of Afro-beat, jazz and blues. Especially blues, since Murray enlisted the help of blues legend Taj Mahal to join him on the tracks “Africa” and “Southern Skies”. There’s no flashy guitar works, no drawn out drum solos or guitar solos. This is just some good music to relax to, that’s more for a supplicated palate than most. But, if you’re feeling adventurous, I think you should give this album a listen.
